One might ask for what purpose does Homer use the second person. However, Homer refers to Eumaeus with “you.” For example, Home first used the second person to introduce Eumaeus’ reply— “And you replied, Eumaeus, loyal swineherd…”(14.313). Again in line 502, Homer introduces Eumaeus in the second person. Throughout The Odyssey, everything is written in the third person. The second person voice, however, is much more personal— it is almost as if Homer is directly addressing the audience— not just through the art of storytelling, but through a personal calling upon of the reader. This reader is located not on the battlefield, but in the home— in the realm of Eumaeus. The second person almost makes parts of the chapter conversational, as if Homer …show more content…
It is true that Eumaeus takes up the sword to protect his master’s wealth, but he also (albeit grudgingly) sends away the fastest of the swine to be slaughtered for the suitors’ feasts. He we can observe two conflicting domestic interests— the desire to be a good host, and the desire to be a good servant. Both belong in the domestic realm, and both require attention. It would seem that, by offering the suitors the fattened pigs for consumption, Eumaeus was indulging hospitality over domestic protection, which would make us question his strength as a hero of the hearth. Eumaeus does not fully protect the herds from the hungry maws of suitors; however, this lack of protection does allow for readers to gather a glimpse at Eumaeus’ almost righteous indignation. Eumaeus describes the suitors as, “...brazen rascals [who] never spare a scrap” (14.107). He also goes so far as to state that the suitors are not loved by the gods, as they (the suitors) lack justice and decency (97). These virtues are essential to the home— essential to domestic peace and tranquility. Eumaeus is pushed to tolerate the indecency of the suitors, and thus unwillingly accept domestic upheaval. Through his outrage at forced hospitality, Eumaeus sheds even more light on his desire to protect his master’s belongings. He deeply desires it, but cannot fully attain
“…When men compete for the hand of a lady, A woman of some worth, a rich man’s daughter. They bring cattle, and fat sheep, To feast the bride’s friends, and they give her Glorious gifts. They do not devour Another’s livelihood without recompense.” She spoke, and Odysseus, the godlike survivor, Smiled inwardly to see how she extracted gifts
The Odyssey is a folk epic poem that picks up at the end of another folk epic poem titled The Iliad. Homer, who is said to be a blind poet, has been credited with writing both of these works, however it is believed that the stories of The Iliad and The Odyssey were told verbally for many centuries and Homer happened to be the one who took the opportunity to write them down. Due to it being written centuries ago, The Odyssey uses classical diction that seems odd in modern-day language. The diction used in The Odyssey presents a laudatory tone throughout the poem.
Homer’s The Odyssey, translated by Robert Fitzgerald, is a classic literature piece written originally in ancient Greece. The book is an epic poem about the hero Odysseus’ perils and his journey back home after being held away for twenty years. While this is taking place, his son, Telamakhos tries to find his father and gain his place in adulthood. To fully find self respect, Telamakhos must overcome the suitors that have taken over his father’s house.
In the epic poem The Odyssey, by Homer, Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, proves himself to be a hero because he stands up for what he feels is right, even at the risk of personal sacrifice. Throughout the story, many of Telemachus’ actions prove that he is the true hero of The Odyssey. Telemachus has a hero’s traits of level-headedness, loyalty, and bravery, which allow him to make the right decisions and see them to fruition, which results in his royal family returning to their formal way of life in Ithaca.
The epic poem The Odyssey is an intriguing story about a determined and witty man Odysseus who is on a journey back home to his island Ithaca to his wife and son, who he has not seen for twenty miserable years. There are a few detrimental characters in this tale, and Telemachus is one of them. This prince goes on his own journey of becoming a man. He transitions from a doubting, push-over, child-like being, to a fighting, independent-thinking man. But why was Telemachus not always this strong beast of a Man before his father’s arrival?
In The Odyssey, the reader is easily able to distinguish that Odysseus is a hero in the story. He is a god-like figure. Odysseus’s wife, Penelope, is a hero and seen by many readers as such especially females. Both possess characteristics of heroes and they deserve to be considered such but that does not mean that they are the true hero of the story. Their son Telemachus is the true hero in The Odyssey. The reader should be able to identify with him the most and realize everything that has happened in his life and he deals with it with extreme heroism. He handles the situation in his life the way every human being should.
Odysseus regretted allowing his men to die. He knows that if they didn’t sacrifice themselves, then they would all be dead at sea. He was feeling sorrow because he had not seen his wife or kids in around 20 years. The pain of being away from family for too long is immense, it is one of the biggest pains one can feel. The voice that Homer was showing in “ The Odyssey” could be explained as centrifugal and centripetal.
When does a boy become a man? This rite of passage is explored in Robert Fagles ' translation of Homer 's epic poem, The Odyssey. Odysseus (king of Ithaca) fought in the Trojan War for ten years and after the fall of Troy he spent the next ten years trying to get home. He left behind an infant son, Telemachus, and a devoted wife, Penelope. Although they longed for Odysseus ' return, Penelope and Telemachus were the perfect hosts to wayward strangers - even as their estate became overrun with arrogant suitors - men intent on marrying Penelope and taking possession of the throne. Athena, goddess and daughter of Zeus, is instrumental in encouraging Telemachus to begin his journey to adulthood saying, "You must not cling to your boyhood any
Through modern culture, most people are familiar with the whole storyline of The Odyssey. Odysseus leaves Troy and embarks on an epic journey filled with adventure and fantasy. However, most readers are unaware that there are actually two journeys that are unfolding simultaneously throughout Homer’s epic. Telemachus’ journey greatly differs from that of his father, Odysseus. While it might not be filled with as much adrenaline and adventure as his father‘s journey, Telemachus’ quest is certainly one that should be noted since the first four books are dedicated to him. It is the story of Telemachus’ coming-of-age as he matures into a more capable young man. However, it is debatable if he will ever become the man that Odysseus is.
Many novels can be about more than just one story. The novel, The Odyssey by Homer, is about Odysseus and his journey home from the Trojan War, however, throughout the novel, Odysseus’ son, Telemachus, also becomes a man. Telemachus becoming a man is displayed in many ways throughout the novel. Telemachus stood up for what he believed in. He was also smart about what he did and planned. Another way that Telemachus became a man was that he had his own ideas but he would still listen to others. The novel, The Odyssey, is a story about Telemachus’ journey into manhood.
Telemachus was the son of Odysseus, mighty king of Ithaca and hero of Athena. Telemachus was a mere infant when Odysseus set sail for Troy where he helped to conquer the Trojans and retrieve Menelaus’ wife Helen. Despite emerging victorious from the Trojan war, Odysseus hadn't succeeded in returning home to Ithaca, and so twenty-one years after his departure for Troy, his family and kingdom believed him to be dead. Telemachus had lived his entire life without his father and as the Odyssey begins, although twenty-one years of age, Telemachus seems to be a child and not a powerful young man. Telemachus was first portrayed as a somber young lad who's heart was stricken with grief for the loss of his father. He was daydreaming and keeping to himself
Most people think a hero is a tall, muscular, and isn’t afraid or cannot do anything wrong. But no heros are perfect in real life and in the Odyssey. “Of all creatures that breathe and move upon the earth, nothing is bred that is weaker than man.” Telemachus was afraid to become a leader because he didn’t believe in himself. That shows weakness.
Many have deemed Homer and Hesiod the “founding fathers” of Greek epic poetry and philosophical writings. Both writers’ careers flourished around 8th century B.C, and were immense influences in the world of Greek philosophy. Hesiod focuses on more traditional origins of life for his stories and ensures that the creation of the world and its rulers are embodied in his works. Homer has been considered one of the most influential philosophical writers for centuries by recognized philosophers. He wrote about principles in battle, governance, counsel, sports, the home and life in general that the Greeks looked to in praise. While both of the authors were similar in writing style, they differ vastly in the messages of their poems.
In the epic The Odyssey by Homer, The main character, Odysseus, learns three valuable lessons throughout his journey to help him restore his home. One of the many lessons Odysseus has learned, happened on the island with “The Lotus Eaters”, were Odysseus’s men start to forget what really matters to them. When the narrator said “those who ate this honeyed plant, the Lotus, never cared to report, nor to return” he starts referencing to how people today who start taking drugs forget their goals. Odysseus was able to learn this harmfulness of drugs “the lotus” and was able to use his knowledge to help him overcome his next challenge with Polyphemus. Odysseus not only needs to remember to keep his goals in mind, he has to learn step back and wait
It is important to keep reading, “The Odyssey.” Even though it is 2800, years old, students still need to learn about it. It is important to continue studying “The Odyssey” because is it a moral story, the historical significance is important, and it is essential to study other culture’s mythology.